Customizable bus systems

ABSTRACT

A customizable bus system includes a system module containing one or more accessory modules and is easily mounted along a surface in a workspace, such as the underside of a cabinet. The accessory modules provide conveniently located utility services and applications such as power, lighting or media connections, and may be interchanged within the bus system to provide particular services and applications where they are needed most. Additionally, the bus system may include a control center for controlling the operation of one or more of the accessory modules, such as manually or automatically. The bus system may also include multiple housings that are functionally linked. Additionally, the housings may be integrated with the applications and take the form of a modular stick, which can be easily installed to provide a service or application in an area, or removed and replaced by a modular stick having another desired service or application.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. PatentApplication No. 61/321,665, filed Apr. 7, 2010, and is a continuationapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/081,988, filed Apr.7, 2011. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to modular power and utilityreceptacles. More particularly, the present invention relates to systemsand methods for providing modular and versatile utility connections andaccessories that may be installed in any workspace, and used for avariety of applications.

Description of the Related Art

Typically, homes or offices have specific locations where access toutilities, such as power and lighting, is provided. For example, in thekitchens of homes or restaurants, electrical outlet receptacles areusually located at particular locations on a wall, commonly called abacksplash, near or adjacent to a countertop. Therefore, the locationswhere electrical appliances such as blenders or toasters may be operatedon the countertop are limited based on the locations of electricaloutlet receptacles in the vicinity of the countertop.

Similarly, countertops can also provide space for performing work in akitchen, such as preparing food or cleaning up after a meal. Tasklighting is particularly critical to the performance of such tasks andis often installed overhead or beneath a cabinet and above thecountertop. Therefore, the locations where such tasks may be performedmay also be limited based on the locations of the task lighting in thevicinity of the countertop, which are generally fixed and cannot easilybe changed.

In addition to electrical outlet receptacles and task lighting, theavailability of other utility services and features, such as audio,video, Ethernet or Internet connections or consoles, is similarlylimited based on the locations of service receptacles or portals inworkspaces and in the vicinity of working areas, such as countertops.

Accordingly, there is a need for a customizable system for providingutilities and services, such as power, lighting and other applications,where they are needed most.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to customizable systems and methodsfor providing utilities and services in convenient locations withinworkspaces, such as above or near a countertop in a kitchen. The presentinvention may include versatile structures and accessories that enable auser to customize the delivery of utilities and services to locationswhere they are needed most. Such structures and accessories may beinstalled within buildings during new construction, and may also beretrofitted into existing spaces.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a customizable bussystem includes a system module for supporting accessory modules and apower module for supplying power to the accessory modules. The systemmodule may include a housing, such as a spine assembly, that is formedby a spine base and a spine cover. The spine base may include openingsto connect wires and other services to the bus system, along withopenings or apertures for mounting the spine bases to a surface, such asthe underside of a cabinet or a backsplash or other wall. The spinecover may include openings for receiving and supporting accessorymodules, and may be mounted to the spine base to form the spineassembly, for example, by snap-fitting the spine cover to the spinebase, using one or more standard fasteners, such as screws or clips.Accessory modules may be placed into any of the openings in customizedconfigurations defined by a user, and may also be removed from theopenings by the user and replaced with other accessory modules orblanks.

The accessory modules are modular units that are interchangeable withinvarious openings of the system module. Each of the accessory modules mayinclude one or more electrical contacts that permit the accessorymodules to receive power from the power module. The accessory modulesmay provide the bus system with accessories having differentfunctionalities, including but not limited to lighting, electrical powerreceptacles, audio or video connections, Ethernet or Internetconnections, Bluetooth® capabilities, docking stations or chargingstations. For example, the bus systems of the present invention mayprovide lighting elements in the form of puck lights, arrays oflight-emitting diodes (LED), tube lights or light trays. The accessorymodules may also provide utility connections in the form of two- orthree-prong electrical outlet receptacles, ground fault currentinterrupter (GFCI) outlet receptacles, category-5 (“CAT-5”) cable ports,telephone ports or universal serial bus (“USB”) ports. Furthermore, thebus systems may also include accessory modules that contain speakers,monitors, motion sensors, Bluetooth® or MP3 docking stations or otherservices. Additionally, accessory modules may be interchangeable withinthe accessory openings, and blanks may be installed into accessoryopenings within the system modules to cover accessory openings where anaccessory is not needed.

The power module may include a power circuit and a power connection. Thepower circuit may include flexible wires and connective features, suchas male or female connectors for interfacing with corresponding femaleor male connectors of accessory modules, or a rigid electrical conductorhaving a series of electrical contacts for providing power to one ormore accessory modules. The power connection may provide power to thepower circuit within the bus system from a power source by standardmeans, such as a hard-wired connection or a standard plug. The powermodule may provide alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) powerat one or more voltage levels, and may include one or more powercircuits or tracks within the housing for conducting electricity. Forexample, the power module may include a single power supply that ismaintained a constant voltage level, or one or more power supplies, eachof which is maintained at a constant voltage level. The power module mayalso provide both a low voltage power supply, or track, for poweringlow-voltage applications such as lights, and a high power supply, ortrack, for powering high-voltage accessories such as electrical outletsor audio speakers. The power module may further include transformers forproviding power at one or more additional voltage levels, as necessary.For high-voltage applications, the bus systems may preferably providepower at approximately 120 volts (V). For low-voltage applications, thebus system may preferably provide power at approximately 24 volts (V).

The bus systems may be formed of housings of one or more standardlengths, or of housings of one or more customized lengths, in order tocomply with requirements of a particular application. Alternatively, thehousings may be custom-designed to fit within a desired location or on adesired surface. For example, the housings may be formed of housings oftwelve (12″), twenty-four (24″), thirty (30″) or sixty (60″) incheseach. Additionally, the accessory openings in the housings may bemodular or formed from regular dimensions, such as about three (3″)inches long each, and adapted to receive the accessory modules, whichare also predictably sized, such as about three (3″) inches long each.The accessory openings may be provided at regular intervals, such asabout six (6″) inches on center, or at any interval, as desired.Furthermore, the housings may be formed of any suitable material, suchas extruded metal. Any traditional fasteners or mounting apparatuses,such as screws, nails, brackets, hooks, clips or adhesives, may be usedto mount the bus systems to a surface, or to mate the various componentsof the bus systems together.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a customizable bussystem includes a housing for supporting accessory modules, a powermodule for supplying power to the accessory modules, and a controlpanel. The housing may be formed from a spine base and a spine cover,and may include one or more accessory openings, mounting apertures,connecting wire apertures, one or more end caps, and one or moreconnectors. The spine base may be formed of any material, such assegments of extruded metal provided in varying lengths, and may alsoinclude one or more open ends which may be adapted to be closed with theend caps for a more pleasing visual appearance. The mounting aperturesare adapted to slide over rotating clips or any other type of fastenersfor securing the spine base onto an underside of a cabinet, a kitchenbacksplash, or any other surface.

The control panel may be located anywhere within the system module, suchas in one of the accessory openings in a spine base, or as an end cap toa housing or spine assembly. The control panel may link the system toand receive services from an existing junction box, and may also controlthe operation of one or more of the accessory modules, or the supply ofpower to the power circuits and/or one or more power conduits, or toindividual accessory modules. The control panel may be used to controlsome or all of the entire bus system, and may be operated manually by auser using a wired or wireless means, such as a remote control, oroperated automatically.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a customizablebus system includes one or more modular sticks, each having one or moreaccessory units included therein. Each accessory unit may includelighting, electrical power, docking stations, charging stations, audioor video connections, Ethernet or Internet connections, or other utilityservices. The modular sticks may be joined together by one or moreconnectors, and may include a power module for supplying power to theaccessory units. The connectors may be formed from any material and maybe either rigid or flexible. Additionally, the connectors may be formedin such a manner that permits a modular stick or accessory units to beinstalled in a variety of locations or configurations. The accessoryunits may be combined together to form the modular stick by placing aconnector between each pair of accessory units. Additionally, aconnector may include one or more accessory units therein.

One advantage of the bus systems of the present invention is that theyprovide custom solutions to improve power distribution, lightingflexibility and music enjoyment in a variety of spaces. In particular, ahomeowner can modify or upgrade an existing system by providing lightmodules, electrical outlet receptacles, wireless speakers, USB ports,charging stations, docking stations, and other accessories in a basicsystem backbone. Although rooms typically have a finite number andlimited locations of electrical outlets and utility ports, the presentinvention solves these and other limitations by allowing forcustomization of the electrical capabilities in a space, such as akitchen, as well as providing features such as audio speakers or videodisplays, motion sensors, lighting and USB ports where desired. Inparticular, lighting accessory modules and electrical outlet accessorymodules can be added where they are needed most, to increase the safetyand efficiency of workers in a space. Additionally, by including one ormore control panels in a bus system, the entire bus system may be easilycontrolled from any location in a space, or even outside of the space.

Another advantage of the bus systems of the present invention is theease in which such systems may be installed and operated. For example,the bus systems may be powered by a hard-wired connection to an existingpower supply, or through a standard plug that can draw power fromexisting outlet receptacles such as those on a kitchen backsplash.Alternatively, the bus systems may be installed in such a manner thatconceals exposed wires in an attractive fashion, for example, by drawingpower or utility services from an embedded junction box. Furthermore,the system is easily mounted to the underside of a cabinet or along awall without interfering with the existing architecture in a space.Moreover, the bus systems can be installed by either a qualifiedprofessional or an ordinary homeowner.

These and other advantages of the present invention, and of thecurrently preferred embodiments thereof, will become more readilyapparent in view of the following detailed description of the currentlypreferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B are front, perspective and side views of an embodimentof a customizable bus system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a customizable bussystem of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a customizable bussystem of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an accessory module for use in anembodiment of a customizable bus system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a customizable bussystem of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D are perspective and side views of anotherembodiment of a customizable bus system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a standard workspace, showing preferredlocations where an embodiment of a customizable bus system of thepresent invention may be installed thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a customizable bus system 10 has a housing12 that includes a spine base 14 and a spine cover 16. The spine base 14includes a plurality of mounting apertures 20 which may be used to mountthe spine base 14 to a surface with fasteners 22. The spine base 14 alsoincludes a plurality of clips 24 for connecting the spine cover 16 tothe spine base 14. The spine cover 16 includes a plurality of accessoryopenings 26 that are adapted to receive and support a plurality ofaccessory modules 30A, 30B. The bus system 10 may also include end caps32, which are used to close the open ends of the housing 12, and to givethe bus system 10 a more pleasing visual appearance.

The bus system 10 also includes a power circuit 40 that may be disposedwithin an interior of the bus system 10 that is defined by the spinecover 16 and the spine base 14. The power circuit 40 is a conductive baror other rigid electrical connector for mating with the electricalcontacts 34 of the various accessory modules 30, which may plug into andconnect to the power circuit 40 within the housing 12. Alternatively,the power circuit 40 may consist of multiple cables, wires, bars orother conductors that may be physically or operatively linked byconnectors, such as male-female plug-type connections.

The accessory modules 30A, 30B are modular units that may be insertedinto or removed from the various openings 26, and may beinterchangeable. As is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the bus system 10includes two electrical outlet modules 30A and one panel blank 30B. Theaccessory modules 30A, 30B receive power through electrical contacts 34that enable power transfer between the power circuit 40 within the bussystem 10 and the accessory modules 30A, 30B. The accessory modules 30A,30B may also include ejectors which enable a user to remove theaccessory modules 30 from the openings 26. For example, the ejectors mayinclude a spring-loaded member that urges the accessory module 30 fromthe bus system 10 when one or more of the ejectors is manually pressed.Alternatively, the accessory modules 30 may include ejectors whichrequire the use of a tool in order to remove the accessory module 30from the bus system 10.

The accessory modules 30A, 30B of the present invention enable the bussystem 10 to provide a variety of functionality and features including,but not limited to, lighting elements in the form of linear, LED, tubeor puck lights; two- or three-pronged outlet receptacles; audio speakersor ports; video monitors or ports; Ethernet or Internet cable ports;telephone ports, motion sensors; Bluetooth® transceivers; media playerdocking stations; and charging stations, for example, which may includedirect charging connections that are hard-wired to the power circuit 40or an induction charging system without any direct connections to thepower circuit, and which may be used to charge portable items such as“smart phones” or cameras. The accessory modules 30A, 30B may receivepower from the power circuit 40, and may also receive inputs via one ormore wired or wireless means. For example, an accessory module 30A, 30Bmay include an audio speaker that receives power from a power circuit40, and receives signals from an audio source that may be linkedwirelessly, such as via Bluetooth® or wireless fidelity (“WiFi”)transmission, or to a wired docking station. Moreover, panel blanks maybe installed in accessory openings 26 where an accessory module isneither needed nor desired.

Plugs or hard-wired connections, or intrinsic sources such as internalbatteries, solar cells or other systems and methods for obtaining orstoring power, may be used to provide power to the power circuit 40. Inaddition to power, other utility services may be provided to the bussystem 10 through wired means, such as coaxial, CAT-5, USB or other likeconnectors, or through wireless means, such as WiFi, Bluetooth® or otherlike systems and methods.

Additionally, power and services may be controlled at the manualdirection of a user (i.e., through a switch, or based on signalstransmitted by a remote control or over a network such as the Internet),or automatically, such as according to a preprogrammed schedule. Forexample, one or more of the accessory modules may also include a motionsensor that initiates or secures the operation of an accessory module,as necessary, based on the activity within a space, or the lack thereof.

In operation, the bus system 10 may be assembled by mounting the spinebase 14 to a surface, such as the underside of a cabinet, using screws22, brackets or other fasteners. The spine cover 16 may then be joinedto the spine base 14 using clips 24 or other fasteners, which may rotateor otherwise mate the spine cover 16 to the spine base 14 to form thehousing 12, or by snapping the spine cover 16 onto the spine base 14.Depending on the desired functionality of the bus system, the specificaccessory modules 30 may then be selected and installed into theaccessory openings 26 where desired, and the electrical contacts 34 ofthe various accessory modules 30 may be connected to the power circuit40. Each accessory module 30 may include one or more utility receptaclesor connections, such as one or more electrical outlet receptacles, anelectrical receptacle and a telephone jack, or any other combination ofutility services. Moreover, where an accessory module 30 is not desiredin a particular accessory opening 26, as is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, apanel blank 30B may be installed.

Once installation of the bus system 10 is complete, and power has beenprovided to the power circuit 40, the bus system 10 may then be utilizedin any manner desired by a user. For example, a standard plug of anappliance may be plugged into an electrical outlet receptacle; lightingmay be provided via one or more lighting accessories; and music or othersounds may be played from an audio speaker.

Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of a bus system is indicated by thenumeral 110. The bus system 110 is substantially similar to the bussystem 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Except where otherwise noted,reference numerals preceded by the number “1” indicate elements that aresimilar to the elements of the bus system 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

The bus system 110 includes a system module 112 and a power module 142.The system module 112 includes a spine base 114 and a spine cover 116,and is adapted to be mounted to an underside of a cabinet. The spinecover 116 includes a plurality of accessory openings 126 for receivingand supporting accessory modules 130. The system module 112 alsoincludes an external rail 170 which runs along a length of the systemmodule 112 for manually mounting accessories thereto. A power circuit140 (not shown) is disposed within an interior of the system module 112,along a surface of the spine base 114. The power circuit 140 includes avariety of electrical connections for providing power to the accessorymodules 130 that may be installed into the system module 112. An end cap132 closes one end of the system module 112.

The bus system 110 also includes a plurality of accessory openings 126in the spine cover 114, into which a plurality of accessory modules 130may be installed. As is shown in FIG. 2, the bus system 110 includes twoelectrical outlet modules 130A and a panel blank 130B, as well as alinear light module 130C that is mounted to the external rail 170 andelectrically connected to the panel blank 130B.

Power is provided to the bus system 110 by a power module 142, whichdelivers power via a hard-wired connector that extends from a junctionbox (not shown) in a wall. The hard-wired connector originates behind afaceplate 146 and extends through a power conduit 144 to the powercircuit 140 within the system module 112. The faceplate 146 alsoincludes a master switch 148. Utility service connections may beprovided to the bus system via wired means, for example, using wiresthat also extend from the junction box (not shown) and through the powerconduit 144 to the system module 112, or via wireless means, such asBluetooth®, WiFi or the like.

The bus system 110 also includes a control center 160, which may be usedto control the operation of one or more of the accessories 130A, 130B,130C in the bus system 110. The control center 160 shown in FIG. 2 formsan end of the system module 112, and also mates with the power module142. The control center 160 may include buttons or switches for localmanual control, or wired or wireless means for remote or automaticcontrol. Additionally, the control center 160 may be linked to each ofthe accessories 130A, 130B, 130C by wired means, such as wires or otherconnectors extending through the housing 112 of the bus system 110, orby wireless means, such as Bluetooth®, WiFi or the like. Therefore, auser may operate the control center 160 to issue control signals to theaccessories 130A, 130B, 130C such as to turn on a light, to beginplaying sounds from an audio speaker, or for any other purpose. Thecontrol center 160 may also be connected to the Internet or some othernetwork for remote or automated control of accessories 130A, 130B, 130C.

Those of skill in the art would recognize that the control center 160may include switches and/or other components to manually orautomatically manage the operation of one or more of the accessories130A, 130B, 130C. For example, the control center 160 may include amotion sensor that senses activity within the space where the bus system110 is installed, and initiates or secures the operation of one or moreof the accessories based on the activity in the space, or the lackthereof.

In operation, the bus system 110 shown in FIG. 2 may be assembled bymounting the spine base 114 to the underside of a cabinet, and joiningthe spine cover 116 to the spine base 114 to form the system module 112.Next, the control center 160 may be installed to an end of the systemmodule 112, preferably the end that is nearest a power source, such asan existing junction box. A hard-wired connection may then be installedfrom the power source to the control center 160 through power conduit144. Next, a faceplate 146 and master switch 148 may be installed, andany remaining accessory modules or panel blanks may be inserted into thespine cover 116. The power conduit 144, such as that shown in FIG. 2,provides the advantage of concealing unsightly wires from view.Alternatively, the bus system 110 may include a standard plug thatextends from the system module 112 and may be inserted into a standardelectrical outlet (not shown) to provide power to the bus system 110.

Once installation of the bus system 110 is complete, and power has beenprovided to the power circuit 140, the bus system 110 may then beutilized in any manner desired by a user. For example, a standard plugof an appliance may be plugged into an electrical outlet receptacle;lighting may be provided via one or more lighting accessories; and musicor other sounds may be played from an audio speaker.

The bus systems of the present invention may provide support to avariety of accessories in a variety of different ways. For example, inaddition to the standard accessory openings shown in FIG. 2, accessoriesmay also be mounted to the bus systems using additional mountingfeatures, in addition to or including external rail 170. Accessoriesthat are mounted to such tracks may receive services from a power modulethrough one or more apertures within the bus system, but may also beconnected to the bus system through one or more other accessory modules.

Additionally, the bus systems of the present invention may includemultiple power circuits which can operate at one or more voltage levels.For example, a bus system may include a first power circuit for poweringlighting applications, a second power circuit for powering electricaloutlet receptacles, and a third power circuit for powering otheraccessories. Moreover, the various power circuits may be supplied powerfrom one or more power sources, such as multiple power modules 142.Providing power from multiple power sources may be necessary to satisfycode requirements or to provide additional safety or redundancy.Furthermore, the bus systems may include transformers to raise or lowerthe available voltage levels, as necessary, for a particularapplication, and the individual accessories installed into the bussystems may include their own intrinsic transformers, as necessary.

Referring to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a bus system 210 is shown. The bussystem 210 is substantially similar to the bus system 110 shown in FIG.2. Except where otherwise noted, reference numerals preceded by thenumber “2” indicate elements that are similar to the elements of the bussystem 110 shown in FIG. 2 as having reference numerals that arepreceded by the number “1.”

The bus system 210 includes a system module 212 and a power module 242.The system module 212 includes a spine base 214 and a spine cover 216,and is adapted to be mounted to an underside of a cabinet. As is shownin FIG. 3, the bus system 210 includes two electrical outlet panels230A, an audio speaker 230B, a light module 230C, two audio speakers230D, two puck lights 230E, a docking station 230F for a media player250A and a charging station 230G, which may include charging connectionsthat are hard-wired to the power module 242, or an induction chargingsystem which derives power from the power module 242 without a directconnection thereto.

The power module 242 provides power to the bus system 210 through ahard-wired connector that extends from behind a faceplate 246 coveringan existing junction box (not shown), through a power conduit 244 to apower circuit 240 (not shown) within the bus system 210. The faceplate246 also includes a master switch 248. The bus system 210 also includesa control center 260, which may be used to control the operation of oneor more of the accessory modules 230.

The bus system 210 further includes an external track 270 that extendssubstantially along the length of the system module 212. The externaltrack 270 permits additional accessories to be linked to and physicallysupported by the bus system 210. As is shown in FIG. 3, linear lightmodule 230C and puck lights 230E are mounted to the external track 270in order to provide lighting to areas beneath the underside of acabinet, and also to discrete locations or connection points on thesystem module 212, such as through an accessory panel 230. For example,the linear light module 230C and puck lights 230E may be connected to apower circuit or other source within the system module 212 that isconnected to the power module 242 through apertures or other means.Alternatively, the linear light module 230C and puck lights 230E may bepowered from independent sources, such as batteries or solar cells.

In operation, accessories may be mounted to the external track 270 afterthe bus system 210 has been assembled and mounted to a surface in amanner similar to that of the bus system 110 shown in FIG. 2.Accessories mounted to the external track 270 may be supported by thebus system 210 alone, or may be further mounted to the surface, such asthe underside of a cabinet.

Once installation of the bus system 210 is complete, and power has beenprovided to the power circuit 240, the bus system 210 may then beutilized in any manner desired by a user. For example, a standard plugof an appliance may be plugged into an electrical outlet receptacle230A; lighting may be provided via one or more lighting accessories230C, 230E; music or other sounds, such as those generated by a mediaplayer 250A installed into docking station 230F, may be played from anaudio speaker 230D; and a charging station 230G may be used to chargecameras, personal digital assistants (“PDA”), telephones (including“smart phones”) or media players, such as through charging connectionsthat are hard-wired to the power module 242, or an induction chargingsystem which derives power from the power module 242 without a directconnection thereto.

The bus systems of the present invention may make power available atmore than one voltage level, in order to provide accessories operatingat different voltage levels in the same bus system. For example, the bussystems may include a first power circuit maintained at a first voltagelevel, and a second power circuit maintained at a second voltage level,or may include multiple power circuits maintained at a single voltagelevel. The power circuits may be maintained at separate voltage levelsin a variety of ways. For example, the bus systems may include multiplepower connections entering the housing, where each of the powerconnections maintains a separate power circuit at a particular voltagelevel. Additionally, a bus system may include a single power connectionthat is maintained at a single voltage level, and also include one ormore transformers within the housing to increase or decrease thevoltage, as necessary, for a particular application. Such transformersmay, for example, include primary windings connected to a first powercircuit that is maintained at a first voltage level, and secondarywindings connected to a second power circuit that is maintained at asecond voltage level, thereby providing independent sources of power atseparate voltage levels from a single power source. Alternatively, theaccessories of the present invention may include an onboard transformerthat increases or decreases the voltage within that accessory, asnecessary.

A bus system that makes power available at different voltage levels maybe advantageous where high-voltage and low-voltage applications aredesired together in the same location. Referring again to FIG. 3, it maybe particularly advantageous to provide power to electrical outletpanels 230A at a first voltage level, such as 120 volts, and to providepower to linear light module 230C or puck lights 230E at a secondvoltage level, such as 24 volts. Additionally, accessories such asdocking stations 230F or charging station 230G may include internaltransformers or other features which would reduce the voltage levels, asnecessary, in order to provide power to docking station 230F and mediaplayer 250A, or to charging station 230G.

Accessories may be installed directly into accessory openings, ormounted to other accessories. An embodiment of a charging station 230Hfor use in a bus system of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4. Thecharging station 230G includes a plurality of electrical receptacles 231and a tray 233 onto which electrical components may be placed. Theelectrical receptacles 231 may be of any standard form, such as a USBport, and may provide charging power to one or more electricalcomponents placed on or near the tray 233. Alternatively, the tray 233may include an induction charging system which provides power to one ormore electrical components without a direct connection. The chargingstation 230G also includes electrical contacts 235, in the form ofstandard electrical plugs. Whereas some charging stations, such as thecharging station 230G shown in FIG. 3, may be installed into anaccessory opening of a bus system, the charging station 230H shown inFIG. 4 may be plugged into one or more standard electrical outletreceptacles, such as the electrical outlet panel 230A shown in FIG. 4,to provide a means to charge electrical appliances such as cameras,“smart phones” or PDAs.

The bus systems of the present invention may be formed in a variety ofconfigurations and dimensions in order to conform to the demands ofdesired applications. For example, bus systems may include one or morehousings that may be physically and/or operatively linked to oneanother, such as by wired or wireless means. Referring to FIG. 5, anembodiment of a bus system 310 is shown. The bus system 310 issubstantially similar to the bus system 210 shown in FIG. 3. Exceptwhere otherwise noted, reference numerals preceded by the number “3”indicate elements that are similar to the elements of the bus system 210shown in FIG. 3 as having reference numerals that are preceded by thenumber “2.”

The bus system 310 includes four housings 312, each including a spinebase 314 and a spine cover 316, and are physically linked to one anotherby connectors 372. The housings 312 each include a plurality ofaccessory openings, into which a plurality of accessories 330 areinstalled. Additionally, each of the housings 312 includes a externaltrack 370, to which a plurality of accessories 330 is joined. Theoperation of one or more the accessories 330 may be controlled by asingle control center 360. In the bus system 310 shown in FIG. 4, fourelectrical outlet receptacles 330A, six panel blanks 330B, two linearlight modules 330C, two audio speakers 330D, four puck lights 330E, onedocking station 330F and two charging stations 330G are included.Additionally, the housings 312 of the bus system 310 are connected bytwo straight-line connectors 372A and an right-angle connector 372B,which enables the bus system to be installed into a cornerconfiguration, such as the underside of a cabinet.

The bus systems of the present invention may be formed in a variety oflengths or arrangements using one or more segments or housings that maybe joined by one or more connectors. The connectors may be formed fromany suitable material and may be either rigid or flexible. Preferably,the connectors are substantially hollow, in order to permit power orservice connections to extend therethrough and between one or moresegments or housings. Moreover, the connectors themselves may take avariety of shapes, and may be rounded or otherwise formed at any angles,including right angles, in order to permit a bus system to be installedin corners or other configurations or orientations. A flexiblebellows-type connector, for example, may permit two or more segments orhousings to be installed on surfaces of different planes, and to be bothphysically and operatively joined together to act as a single system.

The bus systems of the present invention may also include housings andaccessories that are formed together into a single contiguous unit. Theunits may be interchangeably provided as modular units havingindependent structural features, that may be installed into locationswhere needed.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, an embodiment of a bus system 410 is shown.The bus system 410 is substantially similar to the bus system 310 shownin FIG. 5. Except where otherwise noted, reference numerals preceded bythe number “4” indicate elements that are similar to the elements of thebus system 310 shown in FIG. 5 as having reference numerals that arepreceded by the number “3.”

Referring to FIG. 6A, a bus system 410 includes a pair of modular sticks412A, 412B, a pair of mounting hooks 414A, 414B and a connector 472.Each of the modular sticks 412A, 412B is formed of a single integralunit that includes a base 416A, 416B for installing the modular sticks412A, 412B onto the mounting hooks 414A, 414B and also includes at leastone accessory 430, which may provide functionality in the form oflighting, access to electrical power, audio or video connections,Ethernet or Internet connections, or the like. The mounting hooks 414A,414B are mounted to the underside 492 of a cabinet 490 with screws 422.The modular sticks 412A, 412B are linked by a connector 472.

Referring to FIGS. 6B and 6C, the modular stick 412B includes a base416B, a cover 474B and a lens 476B, as well as a power circuit 440B anda lighting accessory 430B. The cover 474B is mounted to the base 416B,and the cover 474B and the base 416B define an interior in which a powercircuit 440B is disposed. The power circuit 440B provides electricalpower to the electrical connections 434B of the lighting accessory 430B.Additionally, the lens 476B is formed integral to the cover 474B, andsubstantially covers the lighting accessory 430B.

Referring to FIG. 6D, the bus system 410 includes two modular sticks412A, 412B, two mounting hooks 414A, 414B and a connector 472. Themodular stick 412A includes an audio speaker 430A, and the modular stick412B includes a lighting module 430B. Additionally, the connector 472also includes an electrical outlet receptacle 430C. The connector 472provides a physical and operative connection between the modular sticks412A, 412B, including a conductive link between the power circuit 440Aof the modular stick 412A and the power circuit 440B of the modularstick 440B.

The bus systems of the present invention may include one or more modularsticks, which can be formed of any length, and can include one or moreindividual accessories mounted thereon. For example, the modular sticksmay include lighting elements in the form of puck, tube or LED lights;speakers; docking stations; electrical outlet modules including one ormore electrical outlet receptacles, or any other accessory. Furthermore,in a bus system having more than one modular stick, the bus system mayinclude a power module that may provide power to one of the modularsticks, which may be adapted to transfer power to the other modularsticks, such as through a connector. One or more of the modular sticksmay also include a control center that may control the operation of oneor more of the accessories which may be included in other modularsticks.

In operation, the bus system 410 may be assembled by installing thespine bases 414A, 414B to one or more surfaces 492, such as theunderside of a cabinet. One or more modular sticks 412A, 412B may beprovided, with one or more connectors 472 used where necessary tocombine the modular sticks 412A, 412B. Next, the modular sticks 412A,412B may be mounted to the spine bases 414A, 414B, and power may beprovided, for example, by a standard plug that can draw power from oneor more existing electric outlet receptacles, from hard-wiredconnections, or from intrinsic sources such as internal batteries, solarcells or other systems and methods for obtaining or storing power.

Once installation of the bus system 410 is complete, and power has beenprovided to the power circuits 440A, 440B, the bus system 410 may thenbe utilized in any manner desired by a user. For example, a standardplug of an appliance may be plugged into an electrical outletreceptacle; lighting may be provided via one or more lightingaccessories; and music or other sounds may be played from an audiospeaker. Moreover, if the bus system 410 does not include a desiredaccessory or feature, then one or more of the modular sticks 412A, 412Bmay be removed and replaced with one or more other modular sticks thatinclude the desired accessory or feature.

The bus systems of the present invention may be installed in a varietyof locations in any room or workspace, such as a kitchen or a work room,and the location may be selected based on the desired use of the systemor the preferences of the user. Referring to FIG. 7, a plurality oflocations 510A, 5108, 510C, 510D for installing a bus system of thepresent invention are identified with respect to a cabinet 590 and acounter 594 in a kitchen. Location 510A, which is in a recess in theunderside 592 of the cabinet 590, and location 5108, which is along abacksplash 596, also provide the advantage of concealing the bus systemand accessories from the view of a user U, as defined by the line ofsight L. Locations 510A and 5108 may also be preferred if the bussystems are intended to provide lighting to the counter 594, or if powerand services are available from behind or through the cabinet 590 orbacksplash 596. Location 510C, which is atop a ledge 598 along thecounter 594, and location 510D, which is atop the counter 594, placesthe bus system and accessories within the field of view of a user U.

The bus systems of the present invention may provide power at one ormore voltage levels for use by accessories installed into the bussystems, or for appliances or other applications that may plug intoelectrical outlet receptacles in the bus systems. The bus systems mayreceive power from one or more sources at one or more voltage levels,through one or more power circuits or other means for providing power.For example, the bus systems may include a power circuit operating at asingle voltage, or may also include both a high voltage bar and a lowvoltage bar. Alternatively, the bus systems may receive power at onevoltage level and provide one or more transformers to increase ordecrease the voltage level for particular accessories as necessary.Furthermore, the individual accessories may include internaltransformers to increase or decrease the voltage levels, as necessary,for use by a particular accessory.

Components of the bus systems of the present invention may be formed ofany dimensions, as necessary, to conform to a desired application. Forexample, the spine bases, spine covers and/or housings of the bussystems may be formed from standard lengths, or may be customized to fitin a particular location where the bus systems are needed. The bussystems may also include components such as connectors, face plates, andothers which enable the bus systems to remain continuous along surfacesof varying geometries, such as to bend around corners. Furthermore, thebus systems of the preset invention may be mounted flush againstsurfaces, or at various angles with respect to the surfaces usingbrackets or other appropriate connectors, based on the particularapplications for which the bus systems are to be used, and may includeany needed transition pieces to accomplish this effect. The individualaccessory modules within a bus system may also be configured to haveangled directional features, which may align or direct light or sound ina particular direction.

The bus systems of the present invention may be mounted in a variety oflocations. For example, as is shown in FIG. 7, bus systems may beinstalled beneath a cabinet and/or along a backsplash, which wouldconceal the bus system from the fields of view of most users, and maymake the bus systems more attractive for use in kitchens. Alternatively,bus systems may be installed on or along a countertop, within the fieldof view of users. Such an installation may be particularly valuablealong workbenches and in other locations where concealing the bussystems from view is neither desired nor required. Moreover, the bussystems may be installed in kitchens or in any other workspace, such asgarages, laboratories, dormitories, classrooms or in any other areawhere improved access to power and other services is desired.

The components of the bus systems of the present invention may be formedfrom a variety of materials, such as steel, plastics, or composites, asis desired by the user. For example, the spine bases, spine coversand/or housings of the bus systems of the present invention arepreferably formed from extruded metal. The accessory openings and/or themounting apertures are preferably stamped or punched. The end caps arepreferably molded from plastic and may have a finish intended to matchor contrast with the housings of the present invention. Furthermore, thepower circuits of the present invention need not be continuous bars thatextend throughout the length of the bus system. Bus systems may includeone or more power circuits or other conductors within the bus system,which may be linked to a power source by one or more other connectors.Furthermore, although the dimensions of the accessory modules mayconform to those of an accessory opening, the accessory modules may alsobe mobile, and may translate within an accessory opening in the bussystem, in order to provide further flexibility and mobility whereneeded. Moreover, in addition power or other utilities, an accessorymodule may provide functionalities which do not require power or otherutilities, as well. For example, an accessory module may include anadjustable frame or other hardware that may provide a platform or othersupport for a cookbook, an instruction manual or other items. The framemay extend from a bus system and may rotate or translate in anydirection, as necessary.

The systems and methods disclosed herein may be used to provide power,utilities or other accessories in a manner that is flexible and moreefficient than systems or methods according to the prior art. It shouldbe understood that, unless otherwise explicitly or implicitly indicatedherein, any of the features, characteristics, alternatives ormodifications described regarding a particular embodiment herein mayalso be applied, used, or incorporated with any other embodimentdescribed herein. Also, it should also be understood that theaccompanying drawings are not drawn to scale.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or“may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments could include, but do not require, certain features,elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generallyintended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any wayrequired for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodimentsnecessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input orprompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included orare to be performed in any particular embodiment.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent artbased on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may bemade to the above-described and other embodiments of the presentinvention without departing from the spirit of the invention as definedin the claims. Accordingly, this detailed description of currentlypreferred embodiments is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to alimiting sense.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respectto exemplary embodiments thereof, the foregoing and various otheradditions and omissions may be made therein and thereto withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A bus system comprising: a housing having aplurality of openings; a first power circuit disposed within thehousing, the first power circuit including a first plurality of male orfemale connectors, the male or female connectors of the first pluralityassociated with the plurality of openings; a second power circuitdisposed within the housing, the second power circuit being separatefrom the first power circuit, the second power circuit including asecond plurality of male or female connectors, the male or femaleconnectors of the second plurality associated with the plurality ofopenings; a first accessory module comprising an electrical outletreceptacle releasably installed into one of the openings, the firstaccessory module including at least one male or female connectorengaging at least one corresponding male or female connector of thefirst power circuit associated with the one opening to connect the firstaccessory module to the first power circuit; and a second accessorymodule that does not include an electrical outlet receptacle, the secondaccessory module releasably installed into one of the openings, thesecond accessory module including at least one male or female connectorreleasably engaging at least one corresponding male or female connectorof the second power circuit associated with the one opening to connectthe second accessory module to the second power circuit.
 2. The bussystem of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a plurality of mountingapertures for mounting the housing to a surface.
 3. The bus system ofclaim 1, wherein the bus system includes a power connection thatenergizes the first power circuit from a power source.
 4. The bus systemof claim 1, further comprising a third power circuit.
 5. The bus systemof claim 1, wherein the at least one second accessory module includes anaudio speaker.
 6. The bus system of claim 1, wherein the at least onesecond accessory module transmits or receives a wireless transmission.7. The bus system of claim 1, further comprising a control center,wherein the control center is adapted to control operation of at leastone of the first accessory module or the second accessory module.
 8. Thebus system of claim 7, wherein the control center receives a controlsignal from a user or transmits a control signal to the first accessorymodule or the second accessory module.
 9. The bus system of claim 8,wherein the control center includes at least one of a wirelesstransmitter or a wireless receiver.
 10. The bus system of claim 1,wherein the first power circuit is configured to provide AC power andthe second power circuit is configured to provide DC power.
 11. The bussystem of claim 1, wherein both the first power circuit and the secondpower circuit are configured to provide AC power.
 12. A customizable bussystem comprising: at least one modular stick comprising: a housing; afirst power circuit disposed within the housing, the first power circuitincluding a first plurality of male or female connectors; a second powercircuit disposed within the housing, the second power circuit beingseparate from the first power circuit, the second power circuitincluding a second plurality of male or female connectors; a firstaccessory module comprising an electrical outlet receptacle, the firstaccessory module including at least one male or female connectorreleasably engaging at least one corresponding male or female connectorof the first power circuit to connect the first accessory module to thefirst power circuit; and a second accessory module that does not includean electrical outlet receptacle, the second accessory module includingat least one male or female connector releasably engaging at least onecorresponding male or female connector of the second power circuit toconnect the second accessory module to the second power circuit.
 13. Thecustomizable bus system of claim 12, wherein the second accessory moduleincludes a lighting element.
 14. The customizable bus system of claim12, wherein the second accessory module includes at least one of anaudio speaker, a video monitor, a docking station, a charging station,an audio port, a video port, and a USB port.
 15. The customizable bussystem of claim 12, wherein the customizable bus system has two modularsticks each comprising a housing and at least first and second accessorymodules, and a connector between the two modular sticks, and wherein theconnector is adapted to transfer power from one of the two modularsticks to the other of the two modular sticks.
 16. The customizable bussystem of claim 15, wherein one of the two modular sticks includes acontrol center.
 17. The customizable bus system of claim 16, wherein thecontrol center comprises at least one of a wireless transmitter and awireless receiver, and wherein the control center is adapted to transmitcommand signals to the second accessory module in at least one of thetwo modular sticks.
 18. The bus system of claim 12, wherein the firstpower circuit is configured to provide AC power and the second powercircuit is configured to provide DC power.
 19. The bus system of claim12, wherein both the first power circuit and the second power circuitare configured to provide AC power.